Southern California -- this just in

$83,000 raised for Seal Beach salon shooting victims' families

At least $83,000 in donations has been raised so far to help families of the victims of the Seal Beach salon massacre, a newspaper reported Wednesday.

Various fundraising efforts are in the works, ranging from “cut-a-thons to a trust created by Seal Beach officials,” the Orange County Register said.

The money will go to assist families of the eight shot dead Oct. 12 at Salon Meritage, including the owner. A ninth shooting victim survived.

The Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce has joined with the city and the owners of the salon's building, Watson & Associates, to coordinate the donations and their distribution.

They have have created a trust that will work as a clearinghouse.

City officials are urging residents to be aware of potential scam artists who have been trying to collect donations, fraudulently claiming they are for the families of the victims.

Those wishing to donate to trust via the Seal Beach Victims’ Fund can find information on the city's website or visit the Bank of America branch on Main Street or the chamber's office at 201 Eighth Street.

Donations can also be made to the Salon Meritage Memorial Fund, which has been set up by family members of salon owner Randy Fannin, the newspaper said.